Extended OTP Time for F-1 STEM Graduates

Extended OTP Time for F-1 STEM Graduates

Posted By
Ryan Boghosian

This month the Department of Homeland Security has ruled to permit graduates on an F-1 student visa an additional 24 months of optional practical training (OPT) work. This ruling allows for F-1 students graduating with a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) degree a total of 36 months for OPT training.

This program goes into effect on May 10, 2016 and does have some conditions.

Extension conditions include:

Employers must be enrolled in E-Verify employment eligibility verification program

Employers must have formal mentoring and training plans

Employers must verify duties, hours, and compensation for the work are on par U.S. workers

Employers must attest that there are proper resources and staff available to train the student

No Lay-offs or furloughs will arise from STEM students training

The work advances STEM students training or goals.

Ongoing reporting to the Department of Homeland security

Extension of Cap Gap

Previously, students who have transitioned from their F-1 status over to their H-1B status experienced a gap between their F-1 status and the H-1B visa being approved, which sometimes forced them to leave the country while they awaited H-1B approval. The Cap Gap extension allows students with pending or approved H1-B status to remain in the US until the start date of their approved H1-B employment.

If you are a student needing assistance with an F-1 visa or another immigration matter, a Houston immigration attorney from
The Law Office of Tony Parada can assist you today. Attorney Tony E Parada has successfully assisted hundreds of individuals needing legal representation for immigration matters.